(From left) Melai Cantiveros, Bang Chan of Stray Kids, NewJeans, Kim Seon-ho, Images: From artists’ respective Instagram accounts
Melai Cantiveros definitely felt like “the first honor” after her funny remarks at the Asia Artist Awards (AAA) 2023 drew attention from K-pop idols and K-drama stars including Bang Chan of Stray Kids, NewJeans and Kim Seon-ho.
During the AAA’s interview segment, Cantiveros was the center of attention after she was asked by host and IVE member Jang Won-young on her thoughts while attending the star-studded event in Bulacan.
In her broken English, Cantiveros said: “Attending to AAA is a very honor. I feel like I am the first honor [sic], a valedictorian in attending an AAA. So the best, prestigious award [sic]. I cannot believe this happening!”
KABADO MALALA PERO NAIRAOS NI MAMSHIE MELAI! 😆#AsiaArtistAwards2023 #AAA2023inPH pic.twitter.com/A5RrzXPxp8
— Kapamilya Online World (@kowalerts) December 14, 2023
As seen in the program’s livestream, Filipina-Argentine idol Chanty of Lapillus—who was seated at a table behind the “Magandang Buhay” host—covered her mouth while laughing.
Seon-ho, who happened to be seated at a table in front of Cantiveros, noticeably looked at the latter with an amused expression on his face, as captured by @TeukGel03 and @callmemakeu on X (formerly Twitter).
I can imagine if leeteuk was the one who interviewed melai, leeteuk would’ve called kim seonho who’s just behind him, and have the both of them shake hands 🤣
— 주 | 특혁성 🐥🌙☁️♡ (@TeukGel03) December 14, 2023
😩 NOOOOOO COZ THE WAY #KIMSEONHO LOOKS AT MELAI 🥹🫶🏻 SANA ALL KAMSAMIIIIIIIIIIIIII 😍💙 #AAA2023inPH pic.twitter.com/rYNCFYWHUH
— 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐮 (@callmemakeu) December 14, 2023
Cantiveros also confessed her love for NewJeans during the interview, saying, “I am so very idol Kim Seon-ho [sic]. And then NewJeans because my daughter love NewJeans.”
The “Ma’am Chief” star’s expression of love then earned shocked expressions and waves from members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein.
ph comedian actress melai said she wanted to meet newjeans and the girls’ reactions are so cute jdjfjff pic.twitter.com/lSHPaXz4u4
— el saw newjeans 🐇 (@hannivocals) December 14, 2023
Meanwhile, Stray Kids’ Bang Chan couldn’t help but burst into laughter at Cantiveros’ acceptance speech when she was named as one of the recipients of the Best Actor award.
“If someone questions why I am award, don’t worry, I question too. I just receive [an] award all of my life from my mother and father every time they are angry to me,” she said. “But tonight, my heart is very kuan, the best… I think because of God [sic] moves in mysterious ways… Thank you Lord, to my family, we will serve the Lord.”
Rewatching some clips and I must say that aside from SB19’s live performance. Ryan Bang and Melai stole the show with their humor and wit
😂 pic.twitter.com/TPHGRUkbn8— mapanLYNlang (@MahaLynna) December 14, 2023
As seen from the audience, Bang Chan—who’s fluent in English—was also seen translating some parts of Cantiveros’ speech to his bandmates.
The Philippines’ very own SB19 were also spotted howling with laughter at Cantiveros’ speech, almost to the point of Josh and Stell raising their arms in delight.
the boys’ reaction to melai’s speech HAHAHAHAHAHA I CANT BREATHE 😭 SHE’S SO FUNNY
maybe they’ve been laughing that’s why the camera focused on them
SB19 SA PH ARENAAA2023@SB19Official #SB19#SB19atAAA2023 pic.twitter.com/bhPQoK5iVu
— roms⁷ 💜💙🌻⁸✨️ (@parkedfairy) December 14, 2023
During the event’s interview portion, Stell, Josh and Pablo were seen clapping their hands while laughing from the sidelines. Justin and Ken were also giggling at the time.
SB19’s reaction during Melai’s interview.
Napakababieeeee 😭🥹
SB19 SA PH ARENAAA2023@SB19Official#SB19atAAA2023 pic.twitter.com/CdLWGwDFBa
— MANAI | BACK IN THE ZONE (@ATinMrsIndita14) December 14, 2023
Cantiveros was named as one of the winners of Best Actor for her performance in the film “Ma’am Chief,” along with Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Se-jeong, Lee Dong-hwi and Lee Joon-hyuk.
She is also known as one of the hosts of the morning show “Magandang Buhay.”